Mikako Komatsu Approaches the New Cat’s Eye with Respect for the Original: “Keeping What’s Important While Creating Anew”

The article covers voice actress Mikako Komatsu’s reflections on playing Hitomi in the completely new anime Cat’s Eye, the legacy of the original work, and details of the streaming release.

What this article is about

・Mikako Komatsu reflects on her role as Hitomi in the new Cat’s Eye anime.
・She describes the pressure of inheriting the role previously voiced by Keiko Toda.
・Komatsu shares how she balanced respect for the original with her own interpretation.
・Disney+ will stream the new series exclusively, starting September 26.

A legendary story returns with a fresh voice

Mikako Komatsu appeared at the advance screening event for episodes 1 and 2 of the new Cat’s Eye anime, held in Tokyo on the 17th ahead of its exclusive Disney+ streaming release on September 26. She plays Hitomi, the second daughter, and attended in a blue dress inspired by Hitomi’s leotard.

Balancing respect and new creation

Komatsu confessed that at first she felt both joy and anxiety when chosen for the role. She also noted the influence of Keiko Toda, who voiced Hitomi in the original. Although she auditioned with respect for the prior image, she revealed that the plan was reset during the process, leaving her feeling uncertain. Still, she expressed that teamwork at the recording site helped create a balanced performance.

The legacy of Cat’s Eye

The anime is based on Tsukasa Hojo’s debut manga, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (1981–1984). It follows the three beautiful sisters—Hitomi, Rui, and Ai—who secretly act as the phantom thieves Cat’s Eye, while running the café of the same name. Known for its stylish thefts and the thrilling romance between Hitomi and detective Toshio Utsumi, the series became a hit and was adapted into a TV anime in 1983. Its worldwide popularity remains strong, with a 40th-anniversary exhibition held in 2022.

Global popularity and release details

The completely new anime will be released in two parts: Episodes 1–6 from September 26 to October 31, and Episodes 7–12 from December 26 to January 30, 2026. At the event, Komatsu was joined by fellow cast members Ami Koshimizu (Rui), Yumiri Hanamori (Ai), Takuya Sato (Toshio Utsumi), and comedy trio 3-ji no Heroine (Maki Fukuda, Yumecchi, Kanade).

FAQ

Q1. What is the release schedule for the new Cat’s Eye anime?
Episodes 1–6: Sept 26–Oct 31, 2025; Episodes 7–12: Dec 26, 2025–Jan 30, 2026.

Q2. What is the story of Cat’s Eye?
It follows three sisters who run a café by day and act as phantom thieves by night, mixing action and romance.

Q3. Who is producing and streaming the new anime?
The new Cat’s Eye anime streams exclusively on Disney+ under the Star brand.

Q4. What is the origin of Cat’s Eye?
It is based on Tsukasa Hojo’s manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (1981–1984), later adapted into a 1983 TV anime.

Source : ORICON NEWS